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This tiny "Balkan" bistro opened November 30 in the former Global Grub space. The restaurant is a joint venture between former lawyer Eran Elhalal (who's cooked at Brasserie 8 1/2 and Vespa) and his wife, Jackie, who mans the front of the house. The spot is named for Elhalal's Yugoslavian Grandmother, Sara (her nickname was "Saro"), and though Elhalal is Israeli, the Eastern European menu reflects the comfort food he ate while growing up. A slideshow of the space, and the menu, straight ahead.

Traditional Yugoslav dishes include savory pies in a puff-pastry shell ("a typical lunch" Elhalal explains); cevapcici beef kebabs; and a "pantry" plate that features, among other things, aivar, a traditional preparation of peeled, seeded, roasted vegetables, minced so finely the texture resembles caviar. The restaurant is still waiting on its beer and wine license, and when that's secured in the New Year, Elhalal plans to offer food and wine pairings.

The couple did most of the build-out themselves, installing a gold-painted tin ceiling and hand-stenciling the walls in gold as well. The dark-wood bar is made from a former baker's bench, a relic of the kosher bakery that once occupied the space, and tables are stained to match. Saro is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. A limited take-out menu is offered Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and there's weekend brunch from noon to 4 p.m. as well; the restaurant is closed Monday.